Enhancing Spinal Decompression Treatments through Effective Nutrition
FEATURE
Todd G. Singleton
Over the 24 years that I have been treating spine patients at my clinics, I've found that implementing an aggressive supplemental and nutritional program in conjunction with spinal decompression improves patient outcomes dramatically. The reasons for this aie numerous, but I focus on the two most compelling reasons below.
Reason 1: Supplying the Blood with the Right Building Blocks for Tissue Repair Speeds Healing
As you well know, spinal decompression achieves therapeutic results not just by relieving spinal pressures within the disc, but by restoring blood flow to deprived tissues. Because the discs themselves aie not highly vascular, the body relies on constant movement of the spine and surrounding muscles to push blood from nearby vasculature to the disc via the process of difihision. Because injured patients aie often rendered immobile, the normal movements of the spine cease, and the injured disc and vertebral tissues can become mildly ischemic and therefore tend to heal slowly, if at all. Decompression creates a vacuum of negative pressure within spinal discs and surrounding tissues, which acts to pull blood mto the area. Even though the spine may be moving very little, the injured tissues can receive adequate, if not above average, blood flow.
Now that we've unproved blood flow to the ailing spine, we expect the healing to begin. But a critical question has yet to be asked. Does the blood contain all the necessary building blocks to assist in optimal tissue repair? For many patients, the answer is sadly "No." I've never seen a patient not improve from spinal decompression, but some patients seem to experience faster, more significant improvements over other patients. The general pattem that I've observed is that the patients with a healthier diet, and who are supplementing with key nutrients, tend to have better overall results. Blood that is packed with nutrients known for aiding in tissue repair is going to yield a faster, more complete recovery of tissues than blood which is depleted of necessary vitamins and minerals. If you give the body adequate materials, it has a tremendous capacity for self-repair.
These ai e some of the following key nutrients that I use in my supplementation program for decompression patients:
Vitamin D3
Vitamin D3 helps to decrease painful inflammation in the body. Vitamin D3 deficiency has been associated with non-specific musculoskeletal pain. This deficiency causes a reduction of calcium absorption in the GI tract. Calcium is a much needed nutrient for musculoskeletal repair. According to studies published in the Global Journal of Health Science, proper Vitamin D3 supplementation eliminated pain in 75% of those with deficiency.i
Salmon Oil
Salmon Oil (omega-3 fatty acids) is an effective anti-inflammatory supplement and a great alternative to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain.
A study in Surgical Neurology showed that 59% of patients discontinued use of NSAIDs for pain after 75 days on the fish oil; and 88% were satisfied enough with their improvement that they stated they would continue to take the fish oil.ii NSAIDs block enzymes that prevent pain signals from reaching the brain; however, the source of pain goes untreated and can potentially worsen.
Another study published in The Clinical Journal of Pain reports that patients had significant pain reduction of up to 19 months after treatment. The conclusion was that Omega-3 acids benefit the management of patients with neuropathic pain.iii
Why sahnon oil versus other fish oil? A salmon’s cold water habitat and short life span greatly reduce their exposure to toxins, resulting in a higher quality oil. Sahnon have a high dietary intake of carotenoids that make their oil more resistant to spoilage as opposed to other types of fish. Other fish oils, which are typically a blend of various fish oils, have a much less consistent level of healthy fatty acids—especially of EPA and DHA.
Vitamin E
Patients in pain have a higher than usual need for Vitamin E. This vitamin helps improve insulin activity and acts as an antioxidant as well as a blood oxygenator. A vitamin E deficiency results in increased free-radical induced damage, particularly in the lining of the vascular system. The trace mineral selenium functions synergistically with Vitamin E.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C lowers sorbitol levels in pain patients. Sorbitol is a sugar that can accumulate and damage the eye, nerves, and kidneys.
The transport of Vitamin C mto cells is facilitated by insulin. Due to impaired transport or dietary insufficiency, a Vitamin C deficiency exists in pain patients and may be responsible for increased capillary fluidity and other vascular disturbances.
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
Pain patients with other complicating diseases like Diabetes and MS have been shown to be deficient in Vitamin B6 and benefit greatly from supplementation. Peripheral nerve pain is a known result of pyridoxine deficiency and cannot be distinguished from Diabetic Neuropathy. Pyridoxine is also important in preventing other Diabetic complications because it is an important coenzyme in the cross-linking of collagen and inhibits platelet aggregation.
Vitamin BÍ2
Vitamin B12 supplementation has been used with some success in treating nerve pain. This may be because it is correcting a deficiency state or normalizing vitamin B12 metabolism.
Vitamin B12 is needed for normal functioning of nerve cells. Vitamin B12 taken orally, intravenously, or by injection reduces nerve damage in most people. Oral supplementation may be sufficient.
Other nutrients helpful in repairing collagen, increasing capillary permeability and blood flow and decreasing inflammation during spinal decompression therapy include: MSM, Glucosamine, Chondroitin and Citrus Bioflavonoids.
Reason 2: Proper Nutrition Helps Patients Lose Weight and Avoid Re-injury
Many patients in need of spinal decompression have back problems due to obesity, making them perfect candidates for nutritional intervention. Patients who lose weight tend to experience sustained relief from decompression therapy, as normalized weight lies at the core of getting healthy and staying healthy. When the spine isn't bearing the brunt of extra pounds, recovery is faster and more complete.
In addition to proper supplementation, a change of eating to an anti-inflammatory diet will help with reduction of unwanted pounds and help to alleviate pain.
For best results the following anti-inflammatory diet is recommended:
• Very limited or zero use of whole grains and dairy
• Lots of organic dark leafy greens and brightly colored vegetables
• Limited quantities of organic fruit
• Organic poultry and eggs
• Wild-caught fish
• Sparing use of organic, grass-fed red meat
• Unrefined, cold-pressed olive and coconut oil
Patients who adhere to the proper supplementation as well as an anti-inflammatory diet will set the proper environment to get the best results with their spinal decompression treatments. When the patient’s body is properly nourished the capacity for improvement is greatly enhanced.
Dr. Todd Singleton is chiropractor, author, speaker, consultant and has been practicing 24 years. He has a nutrition and pain relief practice in Utah specializing in Weight Loss, Neuropathy, Fibromyalgia, Diabetes, Spinal Decompression, Knee Pain, Neuropathy and other nutritional deficiencies and teaches fellow chiropractors how to add these programs into their offices. He can be reached at (801)903-7141 or for additional information visit www.DoctorsGoldMine.com.
References:
1. Global Journal of Health Science; Vol. 5; No. 1; 2013; pp. 107-111
2. Surgical Neurology; 65; April 2006; pp. 326-331
3. The Clinical Journal of Pain, February 2010; Vol. 26; No. 2; pp. 168-172
